Gamescom Leaders Discuss Growth Opportunities and the Role of Politics in Gaming

According to Tim Endres, the director of Gamescom, the event has experienced significant growth this year, with over 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries participating. The Cologne-based gaming event has consistently been the largest of its kind, attracting 335,000 visitors last year. While waiting for the final visitor numbers for 2025, Endres is optimistic that they may surpass last year's figures. Gamescom is not just about the physical show floor; it also includes Gamescom Opening Night Live and Gamescom Studio, which broadcasts highlights from the event worldwide. Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, notes that Opening Night Live has seen substantial growth, with a 30-50% increase in concurrent viewers. One of the unique aspects of Gamescom is that it offers a platform for game developers to showcase their content without incurring significant costs. Falk explains that the majority of the content on Opening Night Live is free, and developers only need to ensure that their content is of high quality to be featured. Gamescom is also expanding its digital presence, with Gamescom Studio being localized for the Chinese and Japanese markets for the first time. Additionally, the event has satellite shows in Brazil and Thailand, which have shown significant growth potential. Endres emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of the Gamescom experience, including the quality of partners and the experience for fans. With the demise of E3, Gamescom has become an even more crucial event in the industry calendar. Falk highlights the significance of Gamescom in promoting democracy and political awareness through games. He notes that the event featured a special segment on Opening Night Live that showcased games focused on democracy and political engagement. The German government has been supportive of the gaming industry, with recent announcements of increased public subsidies and tax breaks. Falk believes that this support will help the industry grow and thrive, both in Germany and globally. Overall, Gamescom has experienced significant growth and has become a vital platform for the gaming industry. The event's focus on digital expansion, quality improvement, and political awareness has positioned it for continued success in the future.